CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 26, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Caracas, Venezuela, following devastating earthquakes that impacted the area on June 24.
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, struck less than one minute apart, causing widespread destruction and collapsing buildings in the capital city and surrounding communities. More than 580 people have been killed, thousands have been injured and hundreds remain missing as search-and-rescue operations continue.
In the midst of this tragedy, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are deploying to offer emotional and spiritual care to survivors, grieving families and first responders.
“Our hearts break for the people of Venezuela as they begin to navigate the overwhelming loss and devastation left behind by these earthquakes,” said Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT Global. “So many families have lost loved ones, homes and any sense of normalcy. Our chaplains will walk alongside those who are grieving, pointing them to the light and hope of Jesus Christ during one of the darkest times of their lives. As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, ‘Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.’ We pray that those words become a source of comfort for many in the days ahead.”
The BG-RRT deploys to natural disasters in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also led by Franklin Graham. Together, the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who were impacted.
In addition to Venezuela, chaplains are ministering in southern Mississippi and Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, following severe flooding, and in Charleston, Illinois, following a tornado. The BG-RRT also continues to offer emotional and spiritual care to families who have been forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with: (subject to availability and infrastructure)
- Kevin Williams, manager of training and community engagement of the BG-RRT
- Chaplain coordinators in Harrison County
- B-Roll and photos (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
- Interview request form
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 940 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
copulencia@bgea.org
+1 (704) 401-2717